Expressing oneself through the arts, whether visual or musical, can help patients feel more relaxed, support pain management, and provide valuable coping skills. Sponsored by the
Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, the Expressive Arts Therapy program provides
opportunities for adult patients to paint, write, and make jewelry, collages, and other visual media. Therapists also facilitate group experiences that explore active music making and listening, paired with mindfulness and relaxation techniques to
decrease feelings of isolation and enhance quality of life for adult cancer patients. Materials for these sessions are provided by the Zakim Center, and no artistic experience is necessary.
Programs include:
- Open Arts Studio: A walk-in space in the
Eleanor and Maxwell Blum Patient and Family Resource Center on the first floor of the Yawkey Center that provides materials
for, and assistance with, independently exploring creative arts.
- Creative Arts Workshops: Painting, jewelry making, collage, knitting, and more.
- Music Therapy: Group music experiences that explore music making, instrument instruction, and meditation supported by live music.
- Creative Writing at the Blum Center: Volunteers help inspire your creative process and teach new techniques.
The Open Arts Studio is open Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All materials and art instruction are provided free of charge. Please contact the Zakim Center at 617-632-3322 for more details.
For information about current Expressive Arts Therapy offerings, visit the
Zakim Center program calendar, or contact the Center at 617-632-3322, or email
zakim_center@dfci.harvard.edu.
Art Studio or Environmental Music Volunteer
If you're interested in becoming an
Art Studio or Environmental Music volunteer with the Zakim Center, please visit
Volunteer Services for expectations and an online application.